The Nationals knew they were getting a classic leadoff hitter in Denard Span, but they might not have fully appreciated how much his patience at the plate would pay dividends throughout their lineup.

Seven games into the season, Span is not only getting on base. He’s really making pitchers work before he gets on base.

Span enters tonight’s game against the White Sox having reached base in 15 of 31 plate appearances, good for a .484 on-base percentage that ranks sixth in the NL. He’s also seeing a hefty 4.29 pitches per at-bat, seventh-most in the league.

“I’m a firm believer in not giving away at-bats,” he said. “Even if it is me swinging at the first pitch, I want to make sure it’s a good pitch and put a good, quality swing on it. And if I make an out, I want to make a quality out. That’s a big part of my game.”Read more